What do you get when you take a hemophiliac, add a sleek endurance bicycle (Rogue One), 768.3 miles of pavement, a bunch of hills, six great guys (including a dentist), two phenomenal tour leaders, and 6,500+ calories a day? You get the most epic ride of my life.

Save One Life and I teamed up with Cycle of Life Adventures, and I can’t say enough good things about Dennis and Norman. They were our tireless leaders, nutritionists, mechanics, guides, water sherpas, and comic relief all in one. Every 15-20 miles like clockwork, they’d be at a water stop with everything we needed to recharge, refuel, and rehydrate. We ate like kings. I’m pretty sure I gained weight while burning about 7,000 calories per day. Seriously.

Grit Over Training

I went into this thing undertrained. A calf injury and an ankle bleed (hemophilia perks!) wiped out my final month of prep. My longest ride before this was a single 40-miler, and most of my other rides were 15–20 miles. What saved me? Mental toughness and the fact that I was already in pretty solid shape.

Fast Facts:

• Average speed: 16 MPH
• Top speed: 44 MPH (down a sketchy Vermont mountain)
• Average time in saddle: 5 hours/day
• Weather: Mostly amazing. Only two days of rain and two soul-melting 103°F scorchers.
• Calories consumed daily: Enough to feed a small village.

Hemophilia Management

Though I normally treat on demand, I went full prophylactic for this ride, dosing with Factor VIII every fourth day to prevent any surprise bleeds. It worked. My ankle stayed strong. Zero issues.

The Crew

I rode with Greg, Joe, Steve, Paul, Peter, and Bob. A few doctors. A dentist. All legends. We forged real friendships over sweat, sore muscles, and spontaneous dad jokes. We also had perfect laundry timing thanks to well-placed laundromats that saved our noses and our dignity. Our tour leaders, Dennis and Norman, from Cycle of Life Adventures, are the best in the business and they did not disappoint.

Tips for Surviving a Ride Like This:

1. Chamois Cream is sacred.
2. Mental toughness will get you through when your legs want to quit.
3. Pack at least one extra day of riding gear (I brought three days worth).
4. Keep your batteries charged (and carry a backup pack).
5. Hydrate constantly. Use electrolytes.
6. Be polite to drivers. Smile and wave.
7. Dry your wet shoes with the hotel hairdryer. Game changer.
8. Massage your hammies and glutes using your saddle (but beware of potholes).
9. Stretch calves on the bike.
10. Start each ride slow and warm up. Don’t blast out of the gate.
11. Eat like it’s your job.
12. Enjoy it. Take pictures, laugh, soak it in.
13. Lube your chain every three days (or after rain) and clean it every day.
14. Check your cleats. Lost one screw and almost became one with the bike.
15. Double shower: night and morning. You deserve it.

The Unexpected Soreness

Besides the usual suspects (butt, quads, calves), I found soreness in my abs, neck, wrists, lower back, triceps, elbows, and even my fingers. Despite lifting weights and full-body training, I felt it everywhere. But that kind of soreness? It’s the price of glory.

Nature, Roads & Covered Bridges

We rode alongside rivers, crossed creeks, and glided through charming towns and half a dozen covered bridges. This route kissed the Appalachian Trail and served up postcard views almost every mile.

The Route (13 Days of Glory)

7/19 – Drove rental to Bethel, ME. Long story involving a 10-hour drive, airport rental car drop, and Uber ride.

7/21 – Day 1: Bethel, ME – Conway, NH (50 mi / 1,968 ft)

7/22 – Day 2: Conway – Woodville, NH (60.1 mi / 4,027 ft) – Conquered Kancamagus Pass

7/23 – Day 3: Woodville, NH – Woodstock, VT (57.3 mi / 2,858 ft)

7/24 – Day 4: Woodstock – Manchester, VT (55.7 mi / 3,996 ft) – 103°F inferno

7/25 – Day 5: Manchester – Pittsfield, MA (73.3 mi / 3,571 ft)

7/26 – Day 6: Pittsfield – Sheffield, MA (47.5 mi / 2,212 ft)

7/27 – Day 7: Sheffield – Hyde Park, NY (53 mi / 2,717 ft)

7/28 – Day 8: REST in Hyde Park (and laundry!)

7/29 – Day 9: Hyde Park – Milford, PA (76.9 mi / 3,714 ft)

7/30 – Day 10: Milford – Jim Thorpe, PA (74 mi / 3,497 ft)

7/31 – Day 11: Jim Thorpe – Grantville, PA (75.9 mi / 3,823 ft)

8/1 – Day 12: Grantville – Gettysburg, PA (60.5 mi / 2,615 ft)

8/2 – Day 13: Gettysburg – Harpers Ferry, WV (61 mi / 2,452 ft) – Final hill was a beast. And, I got a surprised visitor! Kristine cheered me up and cheered me on!

Hardships and Obstacles

There were many tough hills and extreme terrain. There was also some scary highway traffic spots and sweltering temperatures/humidity. We fought through four flat tires and even a tubeless tire explosion. HA! One day we had a tree blocking our path and the team fought to move it clear. We tackled each problem with a smile and cheer and the team worked well together to keep each other motivated and inspired. Despite these hardships, we prevailed!

11 States, 13 Days, 768.3 Miles

We rode through:

• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Maryland
• Virginia
• West Virginia

In Memoriam

This ride was fueled by the spirits of two people who left an indelible mark on my life — Barry Haarde and my daughter, Trinity Viola Ripley.

Barry was one of the most inspiring people I have ever known. He rode his bicycle across America six times, each journey raising awareness for the bleeding disorders community. He was the one who got me reconnected with that community after years away, and he’s the reason I started riding in the C&O Canal “Wheels for the World” ride. We rode that route together more than half a dozen times, sharing miles, laughs, and purpose. Barry left us far too soon, and this ride was dedicated to his memory, his relentless spirit, and the journey he inspired in so many of us.

Trinity, my daughter, my heart, my forever inspiration, was with me every mile. I can still hear her voice from when she was four years old: “Come on Daddy. You can do it!” That simple phrase echoed in my mind every time the hills grew steep and my legs screamed to stop. Throughout the ride, she sent me signs: red cardinals, peacocks, goats, cows, deer, even baby turkeys. Each time, I thought of her love for animals and felt her presence riding right beside me. I also passed places named “Trinity Farm,” “Trinity Solar,” and “Trinity Church,” each one a gentle reminder that she was still here, guiding me forward.

Barry and Trinity made this more than a ride. They made it a mission. And every pedal stroke was for them. 💜

Final Thoughts

This ride pushed my limits. It hurt. It was hard. But it was also breathtaking, hilarious, and transformative. And I did it for a cause bigger than myself: to raise awareness and support for people with bleeding disorders.

Rogue One and I did it. We are home safe and sound and she is all cleaned up and lubed for our next adventure!

If you believe in grit, resilience, and helping others, please consider donating: https://runsignup.com/crosscountryride

This one was for Barry, for Trinity, and for everyone who wakes up fighting their own battles. We ride on.

💜💜💜